Frequently Asked Questions
Run 'npm run dev' in the frontend project's root directory. In a separate terminal, navigate to the 'backend' directory and run 'node server.js'.
Use the provided Vue frontend application to enter recipient phone numbers and your message. The app interacts with a Node.js backend that uses the MessageBird API to send the messages. Each recipient receives an individual SMS, allowing for better status tracking.
Vite is a modern frontend build tool that offers a fast development server and optimized builds. It's used in this MessageBird integration project to streamline the Vue.js frontend development process.
The Node.js backend handles secure interaction with the MessageBird API, including API key management and sending logic. It acts as an intermediary between the Vue frontend and MessageBird to enhance security and manage the complexities of bulk messaging.
Use an Alphanumeric Sender ID when you want to brand your messages with your company name. Keep in mind, replies are not possible with these IDs, and they might require pre-registration depending on the country.
The tutorial suggests a database schema for storing recipients, message logs, and user data. Although not implemented in the example, this is highly recommended for production to enable features like recipient management and tracking message status.
For the frontend, navigate to the 'sent-messagebird-broadcast' directory and run 'npm install'. For the backend, navigate to the 'backend' directory and run 'npm install express dotenv @messagebird/api cors'.
The '.env' file in the backend directory stores sensitive information like your MessageBird API key and originator. It's crucial to add this file to your '.gitignore' to prevent committing these secrets to version control.
The backend code includes error handling at both individual message and batch levels. It distinguishes between submission, delivery, and network errors, though delivery errors require webhooks for full tracking.
While the API might support longer messages, the example application sets a limit of 1600 characters per message. This limit is implemented in both the frontend and backend for consistency.
The article does not specify a limit. MessageBird's API documentation should detail limits on recipients per API call. This application sends one message per recipient, not a single message to all.
The article provides a conceptual example using the 'async-retry' library for exponential backoff. This is recommended for handling transient errors and increasing the reliability of message delivery.
Although the frontend only accepts direct input, the article suggests a database schema with RecipientList and Recipient models, indicating how list management could be implemented.
The E.164 format (+14155552671) ensures consistent and internationally recognized phone number formatting, which is essential for successful message delivery via the MessageBird API.
How to Build Bulk SMS and WhatsApp Messaging with MessageBird, Vue, and Node.js
This comprehensive guide shows you how to build a production-ready web application for sending bulk SMS and WhatsApp messages using the MessageBird API. You'll create a modern Vue 3 frontend with Vite for optimal performance and a secure Node.js/Express backend that handles the MessageBird integration.
This application solves the common need to send announcements, notifications, or marketing messages to multiple recipients efficiently. By the end, you'll have a functional system with recipient management, message tracking, error handling, and the foundation for scaling to thousands of messages.
What You'll Build:
Technologies Used:
.envfile.System Architecture:
Prerequisites:
1. How to Set Up Your Vue and Node.js Project for Bulk Messaging
Set up both the frontend (Vue/Vite) and the backend (Node.js/Express) projects.
Frontend Setup (Vite + Vue)
Create Vite Project: Open your terminal and run the Vite scaffolding command. Choose
vueandvue-tsorvue(JavaScript) as you prefer. This guide uses JavaScript.Navigate and Install Dependencies:
Project Structure (Frontend): Vite creates a standard structure. You'll primarily work within the
srcdirectory:Run Development Server:
This starts the Vite development server, typically at
http://localhost:5173. You should see the default Vue welcome page.Backend Setup (Node.js + Express)
Create Backend Directory: Inside your main project folder (
sent-messagebird-broadcast), create a directory for the backend API.Initialize Node.js Project:
This creates a
package.jsonfile.Install Backend Dependencies: Install Express for the server,
dotenvfor environment variables, the MessageBird SDK, andcorsfor handling cross-origin requests from the frontend.Project Structure (Backend):
Create
.envFile: Create a file named.envin thebackenddirectory. Add your MessageBird Live API Key. Important: Add.envto your.gitignorefile to avoid committing secrets.Create Basic Server (
server.js):Run Backend Server: Open a new terminal window, navigate to the
backenddirectory, and run:You should see
Backend server listening on port 3001.Now you have both frontend and backend development servers running. Learn more about SMS delivery status tracking with Node.js and Express or explore building two-way SMS messaging systems.
2. How to Create a Vue Form for Bulk Message Broadcasting
Create the Vue component for users to enter recipients and their message.
Create Component File: In the frontend project, create
src/components/BroadcastForm.vue.Implement the Form: Add the following code to
BroadcastForm.vue. This uses Vue 3's Composition API (setupscript).v-modelfor two-way data binding between the textareas and reactive refs (recipientsInput,messageBody). ThehandleBroadcastSubmitfunction prevents default form submission, parses recipients, performs basic validation, and usesfetchto send data to your backend API. It handles loading states and displays feedback messages based on the API response.Use the Component in
App.vue: Replace the content ofsrc/App.vueto include your new form.If you check your browser (where the frontend
npm run devis running), you should now see the broadcast form. Submitting it will currently log a message in the backend console and show a placeholder success message in the frontend, as the backend logic isn't fully implemented yet.3. How to Build the MessageBird API Integration Layer
Enhance the backend
POST /api/broadcastendpoint to handle the request properly, validate input, and prepare for MessageBird integration.Update
server.js: Modify the/api/broadcastroute handler inbackend/server.js.recipientsarray and themessagestring, including format checks (basic E.164 check) and length limits. We added a placeholder comment for where authentication/authorization logic would go in a real-world application. The main logic block is wrapped in atry...catchto handle potential errors during processing (especially when we add MessageBird calls). We simulate a successful response structure that the frontend expects.Testing the Endpoint: You can test this endpoint using
curlor a tool like Postman.Curl Example: (Run from your terminal)
Expected Response (JSON):
Test edge cases like sending empty recipients, an empty message, or malformed numbers to ensure the validation works.
4. How to Send Bulk SMS and WhatsApp Messages with MessageBird
Now, integrate the MessageBird SDK into your backend API to actually send the messages.
Get MessageBird Credentials:
backend/.envfile asMESSAGEBIRD_API_KEY.backend/.envfile asMESSAGEBIRD_ORIGINATOR.Implement Sending Logic in
server.js: Replace the placeholder comment in thetryblock of the/api/broadcastroute with the MessageBird sending logic.MESSAGEBIRD_ORIGINATORfrom environment variables.recipientsarray.params) including the originator, the single recipient, and the message body. Sending one API call per recipient allows for individual status tracking and error handling, which is generally better for bulk sends than putting all recipients in one API call (though MessageBird supports that too).messagebird.messages.create(params, callback)to initiate the sending.messagebird.messages.createcall in aPromise. This allows us to manage the asynchronous nature of these calls. The promiseresolveseven if the MessageBird API returns an error for a specific number, capturing the failure details. This prevents one failed number from stopping the entire batch.Promise.all(messagePromises)waits for all the individual send attempts to complete (either successfully submitted or failed).resultsarray, containing the status for each recipient.200 OKresponse back to the frontend, including a summary message and the detailedresultsarray. The frontend can then interpret this data.Restart Backend: Stop (
Ctrl+C) and restart your backend server (node server.js) to apply the changes.Test: Use the frontend application to send a message to one or two real phone numbers (including your own) that you can verify. Check your phone and the MessageBird Dashboard logs (Logging > Messages) to confirm messages are sent. Observe the backend console logs and the feedback message in the frontend.
For more advanced implementations, check out our guide on implementing SMS OTP and 2FA with MessageBird or learn about handling MessageBird delivery status webhooks.
5. How to Handle Errors and Implement Retry Logic for Bulk Messaging
Production systems need robust error handling and logging.
Backend Enhancements:
Improved Logging: Replace
console.log/console.errorwith a more structured logger likewinstonorpinofor production. For this guide, we'll stick toconsole, but highlight its limitations.Specific Error Handling: The current
try...catcharoundPromise.allhandles errors during the mapping orPromise.allitself. The individual promise wrappers handle errors from the MessageBird API for each message.Retry Mechanisms (Conceptual): For transient errors (e.g., temporary network issues connecting to MessageBird), implement a retry strategy.
async-retryor implement manually with exponential backoff (wait longer between retries).Frontend Enhancements:
Clearer Feedback: The current feedback is okay, but could be more detailed based on the
detailsarray returned from the backend.Add corresponding styles for
.detailed-results,.status-success,.status-error.6. Should You Use a Database for Bulk SMS Broadcasting?
While not strictly required for basic sending, storing data enhances the application:
Conceptual Schema (using Prisma as an example ORM):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I send bulk SMS messages with MessageBird and Vue.js?
To send bulk SMS with MessageBird and Vue.js, create a Vue 3 frontend form to collect recipients and message content, then connect it to a Node.js/Express backend that uses the MessageBird SDK to send messages. This tutorial provides complete implementation details including error handling and status tracking.
What is the MessageBird API rate limit for bulk sending?
MessageBird's SMS API rate limits vary by account type and region. Generally, you can send multiple messages per second, but it's recommended to implement batching with delays between batches (starting with 50 messages per batch with 1-second delays) to avoid throttling. Check your MessageBird Dashboard for specific limits.
How do I format phone numbers for MessageBird SMS API?
Phone numbers must be in E.164 format, which includes the country code preceded by a plus sign (e.g., +14155552671 for US numbers, +442071838750 for UK numbers). The format is: +[country code][area code][phone number] with no spaces, dashes, or parentheses.
Can I use MessageBird to send WhatsApp messages in bulk?
Yes, MessageBird supports WhatsApp Business API for bulk messaging. You need to set up a WhatsApp Business Account, register your sender, and modify the message parameters to include
type: 'whatsapp'. WhatsApp has additional requirements including message templates and opt-in consent.What's the difference between MessageBird Live and Test API keys?
Test API keys allow you to test your integration without sending real messages or incurring charges. Live API keys are required to actually send SMS/WhatsApp messages to recipients. Test keys return mock responses, while Live keys interact with the actual MessageBird messaging infrastructure.
How do I handle failed message deliveries with MessageBird?
Implement webhook endpoints to receive delivery status callbacks from MessageBird. Set the
reportUrlparameter when creating messages to receive real-time updates about message delivery status, including failures. Store these statuses in a database for tracking and potential retry logic.Is the MessageBird Node.js SDK production-ready?
The MessageBird SDK (@messagebird/api v4.0.1) hasn't been updated since 2021-2022, which means limited ongoing support. However, it remains functional for production use. Consider implementing comprehensive error handling, testing, and monitoring to ensure reliability in your specific use case.
How much does it cost to send bulk SMS with MessageBird?
MessageBird SMS pricing varies by destination country and volume. Typical rates range from $0.04-$0.15 per SMS in North America and Europe, with different rates for international destinations. Check the MessageBird pricing page for current rates specific to your target countries.
Can I use an alphanumeric sender ID with MessageBird?
Yes, MessageBird supports alphanumeric sender IDs (up to 11 characters) like "MyCompany" for branding purposes. However, availability varies by country—the United States doesn't support alphanumeric IDs, while many European and Asian countries do. Register your sender ID in the MessageBird Dashboard before use.
How do I implement retry logic for failed MessageBird API calls?
Use libraries like
async-retrywith exponential backoff to retry transient errors (network timeouts, rate limits) while avoiding retries for permanent failures (invalid recipients, authentication errors). Implement logic to categorize errors and only retry those that are likely to succeed on subsequent attempts.